Zastrozzi

Zastrozzi is a novel by Percy Bysshe Shelley, first published in 1810. Written when Shelley was just eighteen, the book stands as a striking early example of Gothic fiction, steeped in themes of revenge, obsession, and moral extremity. Set largely in Italy, the novel draws on the dark, melodramatic traditions of late-eighteenth-century Gothic literature while hinting at the philosophical concerns that would later define Shelley’s poetry.

The story centres on the enigmatic and ruthless Zastrozzi, a man driven by an all-consuming desire for vengeance against the nobleman Verezzi. After orchestrating Verezzi’s abduction, Zastrozzi subjects him to psychological torment while manipulating those around him to serve his own ends. Verezzi’s fragile mental state is further tested by the presence of Julia, a virtuous woman who represents compassion and emotional stability in stark contrast to the novel’s darker forces.

As the plot unfolds, Zastrozzi’s schemes grow increasingly complex with the introduction of Matilda di Laurentini, a proud and passionate woman whose own motivations intertwine with Zastrozzi’s destructive plans. Jealousy, religious doubt, and emotional manipulation drive the narrative forward, creating an atmosphere of relentless tension. Shelley explores the consequences of unchecked ambition and hatred, questioning whether reason and morality can survive in the face of obsessive revenge.

For readers interested in classic Gothic novels, early Romantic literature, and the darker origins of one of England’s most influential poets, Zastrozzi offers a compelling glimpse into Shelley’s formative imagination.